STEPH McGovern has spoken out about the emotional ending to Steph’s Packed Lunch last week.
Steph’s Packed Lunch aired its final episode on 8 December after it was axed by Channel 4 earlier this year.
During the show’s final episode last Friday, Steph broke down in tears as she bid farewell to viewers from her studio.
She tried to keep things light as she danced her way out of the studio toward a sign for “Leeds Job Centre.”
Now, a week later, Steph, 41, has spoken out about the end of her beloved show.
Amanda Owen insists there's 'no stress' as she opens up about 'separation'
She posted on Instagram this afternoon (Friday 15), sharing a bittersweet tribute to the show and everyone who worked on it.
Alongside a picture of herself and most of the crew from their final show last week, she wrote: “It’s been nearly 5 years since the show idea was pitched to me (I was battling pregnancy sickness and 3am starts on BBC Breakfast at the time).
“The deal breaker for me (after money) was that the show had to be authentic and reflect the real lives of our viewers AND our workplace had to make everyone feel welcome … whether you were with us for an hour or 4 years.
“I am so proud of what our amazing team achieved, so please allow me a moment to blow their trumpet.”
Steph continued, explaining how the show was able to provide jobs for lots of local people.
She said: “In 4 years - we turned a pub in Leeds Dock into a cracking TV studio (after starting the show in my house in lockdown), we employed loads of people from the local area (with many having never worked in telly before), we promoted talented people quickly, we provided work experience to countless people of all ages in all parts of the show (many of them getting jobs from this too) and we gave lots of people their first break presenting on the telly too.
“We built a Northern powerhouse,” Steph added proudly.
She then went on to detail some of the show’s other achievements. She said: “And on top of that we put out 675 episodes, got a BAFTA nomination, gave a voice to people/topics that other programmes didn’t and had a proper laugh along the way.”
Steph also addressed viewers, writing: “Thank you to everyone who made that happen and, of course, to all of our fabulous viewers who were a crucial part of our dysfunctional family, too. The messages we’ve had from you have been incredible. Thank you.”
Channel 4 previously released a statement about their decision to cancel the popular lunchtime show, as it no longer fit in with their vision moving forward.
Strictly's Saffron Barker sparks romance rumours with Gogglebox star
It read: “Steph has not only made the nation’s lunchtimes more entertaining and brilliantly reflected the views and pre-occupations of the country, but the show has also been an outstanding springboard for developing local talent behind the scenes.
“However, with audience habits changing quicker than ever, we have to make difficult decisions about which programmes to invest in to best drive our digital-first strategy and we have decided not to recommission Steph’s Packed Lunch when its existing production contract ends in December 2023.”